Your True Identity

Here is an excerpt from When God Speaks 40 Days of His Promises, now on sale for .99 on kindle 

TRUE IDENTITY

Many people run around searching for who they are and trying to prove their value. However, our true identity and worth are found as children of God.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:15-16

For many years I lived in bondage, yet unaware of its subtle hold on me. I had to be busy all the time— pleasing others, God and myself. I filled my life with constant activity: working, writing, taking care of the house, the children, meetings, Bible study and so on. I wanted to be a fruit-bearing tree, yet I grew too leafy.

Until one day the Master Gardener noticed how bushy my branches looked and how small my fruit. His heart longed for me to be what He originally planned, so He took out His pruning shears and began cutting. First He pruned a few leaves, a hobby here and there. It only hurt a little. Then He chopped off a major branch that cut deep—my career. Ouch! I didn’t understand what He was doing. After that, limbs fell off left and right.

I felt stripped bare. For the first time in twenty years, I didn’t have a teaching job or ministry. Except of course, taking care of the family. That clung like a lonesome leaf in winter. Other than that, I felt useless; though I realized in my spirit that God must be at work. I just didn’t know at what!

During that time I prayed a lot and cried out to God. I thought for sure I’d get another position by September, since I went on several interviews. However, God had other plans in mind. He wanted me to learn something far more important than furthering my career, and He longed for me to be secure in Him. For this to happen, there were some things I had to confront.

I came face to face with myself.

If I wasn’t a teacher, then who was I? The question loomed like an ax, ready to swing. Was God going to completely chop down my tree and start all over?

To read what happens next, see it on Amazon

 Each entry also includes a prayer and an application: 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Let us not forget the important lessons You have taught us. Help us to realize the full impact of Your love. It will sustain us through all circumstances, whether in abundance or lack. Teach me to abide as a child under Your wing of protection. In Jesus’ precious, loving Name. Amen.

 

Application

Do you struggle with your identity? If so, look up the appropriate verses that include promises for the children of God. (You can do this with a concordance in the back of your Bible or on-line with web-sites like Bible Gateway.) Dwell on the inheritance you will have as God’s child. Ask God to bring you fulfillment in whatever role you are in at the present time. Seek direction for your future career or endeavors and most of all—trust God to take care of you.